Letters to the Editor

by Paul Michael Garrison

Editor Nathanael Carver has made a career out of exposing corruption and publishing people’s dirty secrets. From his hate mail, it seems one of his high-profile enemies wants revenge. But the person with murder in mind may be someone closer to home. Carver enlists the help of Kate Baxter, a police detective with problems of her disapproving parents, sexist coworkers, and a smoking habit she can’t seem to kick. The support of her tribe and ample time at the gun range help to keep her sane. As her personal life and the case bleed together, Kate gains insight into Carver’s world, keeping her eye on those closest to him. Kate is on the cusp of progress when Carver, against her advice, drops the case—only to be viciously attacked. Now it’s Kate’s turn to drag everyone’s dirty secrets into the light, but not before at least one body hits the floor.

Genres: Fiction, Mystery

277 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 19, 2019

Reviews

[Kristin · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a very enjoyable mystery by Paul Michael Garrison! The characters were vibrant and distinct, and the story carried me along the twists and turns to the surprise ending. I look forward to reading the sequel!

[Andee · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a fantastic mystery!!! Characters are vibrant and draw you into their world. I love how the action pulls you in propels the story. I don't usually believe reviews that say they couldn't put the book down, but it's true for this book. I was lucky enough to read this soon after its completion, and can't wait to read it again.

Even better second time.

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Twisty just as I like it.
Thanks Paul Michael Garrison for the ride.

[Manda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well-developed characters and a mystery that kept me guessing. I enjoyed this debut novel!

[Carrie Gould · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this debut novel by Paul Michael Garrison. I enjoy a good mystery and this one did not disappoint. It had relatable characters and plenty of twists and turns. My attention was captivated from cover to cover. The ending was a surprise, but believable and all the loose ends were tied up nicely. I hope he has another book in the works, because I enjoyed his writing style and would love to read more.

[Kristin Kowalk]

If you enjoy classic mysteries, don’t miss this one!

[Bonnijean Marley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Paul Michael Garrison has written an engaging mystery with realistic characters and surprising twists. Letters to the Editor is a great first novel.

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Full review posted on Instagram @TheYALibrarian.

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thought I had it figured out and then something else came out. Enjoyed this mystery. Kept me guessing.

[Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well done, cousin! This book is a great little mystery.

[Diane · Rating 3 out of 5]

"Letters to the Editor" was a pick for my mystery book club. My rating is based on an average of the following:

4 stars/plot. I kept reading the book because of the plot. It seemed well-developed with a fairly original story line, though it could have moved along faster.

2 stars/characters. I found the characters to be just plain shallow. The lead character Kate, is a police detective on the case. Kate is single, has cats, is pretty, argues with her parents, avoids their phone calls, whines about them. Kate has started smoking but is embarrassed about it and doesn't want anyone to know. Kate is Christian and her three pals are Christian. We know this because we are told Kate goes to church and Kate has conversations with her pals during which they exchange bible verses. Kate is also judgmental, and if taken in the context of the novel as a whole, quite sanctimonious. Overall, Kate sounds like a sixteen-year-old, whining about her parents, sneaking smokes and parroting cliches she's heard in Sunday school. Unfortunately, this character's development doesn't fit with being a thirty-year-old with a job of high responsibility.

1 star/religion. I've read other mystery books in which a main character's religion is an integral part of their practice, morality and ethics. Yet I've never thought about whether the author practiced that particular religion. In this book the references to Christianity feel like a secondary agenda the author is pushing. A stunning paragraph is when Kate and her friend Heidi, while putting together some treat bags for a Halloween celebration (aka "the high feast day of the satanic church") are discussing Heidi's consideration of pursuing a teaching job at a Christian school as opposed to the public school where she currently teaches. Heidi decides one of the benefits of teaching at a public school is that she can find opportunities to educate the children about her faith. Don't even know what to say about that...

I would have given the book 2 1/2 stars if there was a way to do so.

[Emily Golus · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting plot line with plenty of unexpected twists and red herrings—and a very clever and satisfying conclusion.

[Darby Karchut · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! So many twists - kept me guessing the entire book.

[Wendell Zetterberg jr · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great story that keeps you guessing, and takes a refreshing step away from the normal murder/mystery.

[Lindstromsteph Lindstrom · Rating 5 out of 5]

Letters to the Editor was mysterious, exciting & left room for a sequel. I loved this book!